Dehradun – The Uttarakhand government has introduced multiple incentives to promote prepaid smart meters across the state, aiming to increase consumer adoption. Out of nearly 30 lakh electricity connections, only around 1,500 prepaid smart meters have been installed so far.
To improve acceptance, the government is offering a 4 percent discount on total electricity bills for prepaid meter users. In a key relief measure, power supply will no longer be cut immediately after the balance runs out.
As per the new rules, electricity will not be disconnected between 6 pm and 8 am even if the prepaid balance is exhausted. Similarly, disconnections will not take place on Sundays, the second Saturday of the month, or other public holidays, even if the balance is negative.
Consumers with connections up to 1 kilowatt will continue to receive power supply for up to 30 days after their balance runs out. This move is aimed at easing pressure on low and middle-income households.
For users with up to 2 kilowatt connections, a provision of negative balance up to Rs 200 has been introduced, allowing emergency usage. The amount used during this period will be adjusted in the next recharge.
The government has also made it mandatory to send at least five SMS alerts before disconnecting any connection, ensuring consumers are informed in advance.
Also Read This – Nainital Boulder Scare: Protest Erupts in Krishnapur Over Administrative Delay
Currently, prepaid smart meters are being installed mainly in government offices and selected urban households under pilot projects. The government is now preparing to accelerate the rollout across the state.
